Suction apparatus

ABSTRACT

Medical suction apparatus having a container, a collector vessel for receiving secretion from the oral cavity of a patient, and a jet ejector system fed with gas from a bottle in the container for applying suction to the collector vessel. The parts can be connected together directly, without tubing.

United States Patent Laerdal 1451 May 30, 191

1541 SUCTION APPARATUS [561 I UNITED STATES PATENTS I to d Laerdal [721 ai Sigurd Stavange' 2,135,148 11/1938 Roy ..12s/2 2,575,513 11/1951 Fox ..128/2 [22] Filed: Nov. 23, 1970 3,515,135 6/1970 Flower et a]. 1 28/27( 3,516,405 6/1970 Hopper ..128/: [211 APPI' 3,599,639 8/1971 Spotz .128/2 1 Primary Examinei-Charles F. Rosenbaum '30 Foreign Application Priority 11m Attorney-John bezdey Apr. 21, 1970 Germany ..1 20 18 964.4 [57] ABSTRACT v Medical suction apparatus having a container. a collector v [52] 128/277 sel for receiving secretion from the oral cavity of a patie [5 n 1/ and a jet ejector system fed with gas from a bottle in the c1 58 Field 0! Search ..128/276-278, 297311302; for applying suction to the collector vessel, The

can be connected together'directly, without tubing.

12 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures sucnou APPARATUS The present invention relates to a suction apparatus, in particular for medical purposes, which can be used for the suctional withdrawal of accumulations of secretions or foreign substances in the oral cavity of a patient requiring resuscitation.

Suction apparatus of this type are required for keeping free from foreign substances the oral cavity of patients requiring to be resuscitated, during attempts to effect such resuscitation. Foreign substances frequently accumulate in the oral cavity of patients, and in particular drowning persons, in whose oral cavities there may accumulate water or sludge which has entered the oral cavity. It frequently happens that unconscious patients who require to be resuscitated vomit. In such cases, it may be of decisive importance for the life saver to remove all foreignsubstances or accumulations of secretions from the oral cavity, and, as far as possible, out of the trachea, before commencing the blowing-in of air or oxygen by mouth-tomouth respiration or by means of a respirator apparatus.

It is self-evident that suction apparatus of the type under discussion form a part of so-called first aid equipment and must, therefore, while requiring the smallest possible amount of space, be capable of being put into operation as readily and rapidly as possible. For this reason, there have already been proposed manually actuated or foot-actuated suction apparatus wherein the secretion collector vessel is evacuated by means of a resilient, collapsible or compressible ball or bellows. The manually actuated apparatus have shown themselves to be extremely impractical, since the lifesaver should as far as possible have both hands free in order that he may be able to insert the suction tubing correctly into the patients mouth and maintain it in position. However, both hand and foot-operated apparatus have the common disadvantage that the reduction in pressure which they are capable of generating in the secretion collector vessel is non-uniform and that the magnitude of this reduction is dependent on the operating force. The pressure head of hand-actuated apparatus does not exceed 90 mm.I-Ig., and the suction force produced thereby is, therefore, much too small. Foot-actuated apparatus are able to attain a value of up to 300 mm.I-Ig. if especially strong springs are used, but these apparatus require considerable power to operate them. For this reason, there has been developed a suction apparatus wherein the secretion collecting container is evacuated via an ejector acted upon by an oxygen as bottle. The ejector, is connected on the one hand with the oxygen bottle, and on the other hand with the secretion collecting container, by means of flexible connecting tubing. This multi-part design of the apparatus takes up relatively considerable space and makes it impossible to stow this apparatus for example in a doctor's emergency bag. Furthennore, the entire apparatus is, owing to the considerable weight of oxygen bottles, extremely heavy (3-10 kg., depending on the bottle size) and for this reason is unsuitable for transport in an emergency bag.

According to the present invention there is provided suction apparatus for removing secretions from the oral cavity of a patient, comprising a jet ejector device carrying means for releasably supporting a bottle of liquefied or compressed gas with its outlet in communication with the main inlet of the jet ejector device to form a suction assembly, and a collector vessel for collecting such secretions and having an inlet for connection by means of tubing to the oral cavity of the patient, the collector vessel being arranged for releasable connection with the suction assembly so that suction can be applied thereto by the jet ejector device.

With an arrangement according to the invention, the individual units of the suction apparatus can be connected directly one to another, and preferably can be arranged in the inoperative condition one within the other. In this way the units occupy the smallest possible amount of space. In an especially advantageous embodiment, a gas bottle is located in a container, the external dimensions of which are smaller than the internal dimensions of the collector vessel. In this way, it

becomes possible to push the container, in the inoperative condition of the apparatus into the collector vessel. The amount of space required by the apparatus then corresponds only to approximately that of the collector vessel alone.

It is advantageous to design the jet ejector device as a coupling element between the bottle container and the collector vessel. To this end, it is expediently designed to have the form of a disc, and to have sealing faces and/or edges at its periphery. Arranged at these sealing faces are, expediently, sealing elements which, in the case of a push-in connection between the ejector device and the container, clamp and retain these two components together. With this arrangement, connecting tubing between the ejector and the container may be completely dispensed with, and the ejector itself may be located to a considerable extent within the container.

A substantial diminution in the weight and space required by the apparatus is achieved when compressed difluorodichloromethane is used as the gas fed to the ejector. In contrast to compressed oxygen, this gas may be liquefied under a considerably lower pressure. From this results the advantage that the gas bottles containing this liquid may be considerably lighter, and are therefore commercially available for example in the form of aerosol spray containers.

The entire apparatus can be provided with a carrier sling from which it may be suspended during operation. It will be best for the lifesaver himself to suspend it from his neck by means of this carrier sling.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, the following description is given, merely by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of apparatus of the invention in the inoperative condition; and

FIG. 2 shows an axial longitudinal section through the apparatus of FIG. 1, in the operative condition.

Referring to the Figures, the illustrated apparatus consists of a gas bottle 1, disposed in a container 2, a jet ejector device (designated 3 as a whole) and a collector vessel 4 for collecting the secretions from the oral cavity of a patient. The gas bottle container 2 and the collector vessel 4 are of substantially circular cylindrical shape, and their free edges are screwed or pushed on to the ejector device 3. For this purpose, the ejector device 3 is designed to have the form of a disc of small axial length, and to have at its periphery receiving or sealing faces 5, 6. The receiving face 5 is provided by cylindrically prolonging the peripheral edge of the end face, facing the gas bottle container 2, of the ejector device 3 in the axial direction, and providing the inner face of the cylinder with a screwthread. The free edge of the gas bottle container 2 is screwed into this screwthread. The stepped outer periphery of the ejector device 3 serves as the receiving and sealing face 6. The free edge of the collector vessel 4 is pushed on to the sealing face 6, into abutment against a collar 7. Formed by grooving in the sealing face 6 is an annular recess 8 receiving an O- ring 9. The O-ring 9 serves simultaneously as a seal and also as a retaining means since, on being crushed, it exerts a reaction against the inner wall of the collector vessel 4. The combination of a screw connection between the gas bottle container 2 and the ejector 3 on the one hand, and a push-in connection between the collector vessel 4 and the ejector 3 on the other hand, has been found to be advantageous, in as much as when drawing the arrangement apart by releasing the push-in connection the ejector 3 remains fast on the gas bottle container 2. This is not disadvantageous, since the gas bottle 1 requires to be changed only relatively seldom, whereas the collector vessel 4 must be accessible, for the purpose of cleaning, after each use. Of course, however, it would be possible to use push-in or screw connections in both cases. The employment of so-called rapid locking means, such as bayonet locking means, could also be envisaged.

The ejector device 3 has a central inflow aperture 10 which, in the embodiment illustrated, is formed in a nipple 11 which is screwed in. The inflow aperture 10 is followed by an axial inlet nozzle 12 which first of all narrows and then widens out on merging into a mouth 13 at which it debouches into a deflecting chamber 14. The chamber 14 is, in the embodiment illustrated, formed by means of a screwed-in cap 15 and is connected, via an exit aperture 16, with the interior of thegas bottle container 2. Exactly opposite the mouth 13 of the nozzle 12 there is formed on the inner end face wall of the cap 15 a cone 17 the apex of which points towards the gas jet in use of the apparatus and which is prolonged in the form of a toroidal deflecting face 18 serving to deflect the gas jet in a direction towards the exit aperture 16.

The nozzle 12 is interrupted at its narrowest point 19. Connected with this point of narrowest cross-section, via a suction aperture 20 and an annular chamber 21 in the ejector device 3, is the interior of the collector vessel 4. Rigidly secured at the lower end face, by means of a threaded ring 22, is a disc filter 23 provided to prevent the penetration of solid bodies into the suction aperture 20 and the nozzle 12.

The gas bottle 1 contains mainly compressed difluorodichloromethane, and is provided with an outlet valve 24 which can be resiliently pressed in. The valve pin of the valve 24 snaps, in the screwed-together condition, into the inflow aperture 10 of the ejector device 3. By means of a rotary regulating knob 25 arranged on the end face of the gas bottle container 2 remote from the ejector device 3 and having a pressure face 26 facing the gas bottle 1, the gas bottle may be pressed towards the ejector 3, so that thereby the valve pin is pushed into the valve 24. In this way, by varying rotation of the regulating knob 25, the outflow of gas may be regulated in an accurately controllable manner.

Formed in the walls of the gas bottle container 2 are continuous longitudinal slots 27 connecting the interior of the container 2 with the ambient air. The longitudinal slots 27 have a double function: firstly, they are designed to connect the exit aperture 16 in the ejector 3 with the ambient air to discharge the expanded working gas into the open air, and secondly they are to permit the access of air at ambient temperature to the interior of the container, so as to prevent excessive cooling of the gas bottle resulting from the expansion of the gas as it leaves the bottle. The excessive cooling of the gas bottle and the contents thereof results in a decrease in the outflow velocity and thus of the available reduction in pressure in the collector vessel 4. With the valve open to the maximum extent, the ejector illustrated generates a reduction in pressure of up to 400 mm.Hg. in the collector vessel 4.

The collector vessel 4 has a connecting nipple 28 for the fitting of suction tubing 29 (shown purely diagrammatically in FIG. 1) the free end of which is introduced into the oral cavity of a person requiring to be resuscitated. In order, on the one hand, to make the suction tubing 29 as long as possible, but on the other hand not to increase excessively the amount of space required by the apparatus in consequence thereof, the suction tubing is expediently manufactured in sinuous or spiral form, recovering this shape automatically on relief of the tension therein.

Secured at the regulating knob end of the gas bottle container 2 is a carrier sling 30 permitting the suspension of the suction apparatus when the latter is in operation. The carrier sling 30 may, for example, be a leather strap which is pushed over the head of the lifesaver, so that the apparatus hangs about his neck.

A medical suction apparatus of the type described can have a suction force of up to 400 mmIIg. and can weigh nevertheless only approximately 50 percent of the weight of the smallest footactuated apparatus hitherto known. When the essential units of the apparatus i.e. the gas bottle container, the collector vessel and the ejector device are placed one within the other in the inoperative position, the apparatus then occupies only a volume corresponding substantially to that required by the collector vessel alone. On being put into operation, the gas bottle container carrying the ejector device is drawn out of the collector vessel and turned round, and the ejector device is then pushed into the latter. In this condition, the apparatus is ready for operation and, even then, occupies substantially only a volume corresponding to that required by the gas bottle container and the collector vessel, since the ejector device is, owing to its special shape, disposed effectively within the container and collector vessel. In the operative condition, it is merely necessary to actuate the regulating knob to press the gas bottle against its resilient valve pin into the inflow aperture of the ejector device, so that gas flows through the inlet nozzle. Since the apparatus can be suspended about the neck of the lifesaver, the latter has both hands free for manipulation once he has adjusted the gas throughflow.

Of special significance is the use of difluorodichloromethane instead of the oxygen hitherto used, since this gas has a substantially lower liquefaction pressure, so that it is possible to fill this gas into a light gas bottle provided with a valve which is simple to actuate. The apparatus described is completely independent of sources of electric current or other sources of energy, which may not be freely available.

The above described apparatus is sufficiently light, and requires a sufficiently small amount of space, to enable it to be stowed quite readily in a doctors emergency bag, and is capable of being operated in a very simple manner.

As an alternative to the construction in which a container or other bottle retainer is fitted on the jet ejector device, a gas bottle can be used which is fitted directly on the jet ejector device, being appropriately shaped for the purpose. A container for the bottle is then not required.

I CLAIM:

1. Suction apparatus for removing secretions from the oral cavity of a patient, said suction apparatus having an operative condition and an inoperative condition thereof, and comprising, in combination:

a. a suction assembly comprising i. a jet ejector device having a main inlet;

ii. means carried by said jet ejector device releasably supporting a bottle of liquefied or compressed gas;

iii. an outlet to said bottle in communication with said main inlet to said jet ejector device; and

(b) a collector vessel for collecting said secretions and having an inlet connectable by tubing to said oral cavity; said collector vessel being releasably connectable to said suction assembly, whereby said collector vessel receives suction from said jet ejector device.

2. Apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein said supporting means comprises screwthread means.

3. Apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein said jet ejector device forms a coupling unit between said gas bottle and said collector vessel.

4. Apparatus as specified in claim 3, further including sealing faces on said jet ejector device engageable with said gas bottle.

5. Apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein said gas bottle includes valve means resiliently biassed into contact with said main inlet of said jet ejector device.

6. Apparatus as specified in claim 1, further including a carrier sling attached thereto for the support thereof.

7. Apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein said gas bottle contains a gas selected from the group comprising difluorodichloromethane, carbon dioxide and a mixture thereof.

8. Apparatus as specified in claim 1, further including a container housing said gas bottle, said container being releasably attachable to said supporting means.

9. Apparatus as specified in claim 8, wherein said container and said collector vessel are of cylindrical configuration, and the external diameter of said container is smaller than the internal diameter of said collector vessel, whereby said collector vessel can be fitted over said container in said inoperative condition of said apparatus.

10. Apparatus as specified in claim 8, further including:

1. a central axial inlet nozzle to said jet ejector device and 2. means defining a deflecting chamber in said jet ejector device, said nozzle opening into said deflecting chamber, and thence into the interior of said container.

11. Apparatus as specified in claim 8, wherein said container is provided with a control knob effective to displace said gas bottle towards said jet ejector device.

12. Apparatus as specified in claim 8, wherein said container has walls provided with longitudinal slots extending 5 therethrough. 

1. Suction apparatus for removing secretions from the oral cavity of a patient, said suction apparatus having an operative condition and an inoperative condition thereof, and comprising, in combination: a. a suction assembly comprising i. a jet ejector device having a main inlet; ii. means carried by said jet ejector device releasably supporting a bottle of liquefied or compressed gas; iii. an outlet to said bottle in communication with said main inlet to said jet ejector device; and (b) a collector vessel for collecting said secretions and having an inlet connectable by tubing to said oral cavIty; said collector vessel being releasably connectable to said suction assembly, whereby said collector vessel receives suction from said jet ejector device.
 2. Apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein said supporting means comprises screwthread means.
 2. means defining a deflecting chamber in said jet ejector device, said nozzle opening into said deflecting chamber, and thence into the interior of said container.
 3. Apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein said jet ejector device forms a coupling unit between said gas bottle and said collector vessel.
 4. Apparatus as specified in claim 3, further including sealing faces on said jet ejector device engageable with said gas bottle.
 5. Apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein said gas bottle includes valve means resiliently biassed into contact with said main inlet of said jet ejector device.
 6. Apparatus as specified in claim 1, further including a carrier sling attached thereto for the support thereof.
 7. Apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein said gas bottle contains a gas selected from the group comprising difluorodichloromethane, carbon dioxide and a mixture thereof.
 8. Apparatus as specified in claim 1, further including a container housing said gas bottle, said container being releasably attachable to said supporting means.
 9. Apparatus as specified in claim 8, wherein said container and said collector vessel are of cylindrical configuration, and the external diameter of said container is smaller than the internal diameter of said collector vessel, whereby said collector vessel can be fitted over said container in said inoperative condition of said apparatus.
 10. Apparatus as specified in claim 8, further including:
 11. Apparatus as specified in claim 8, wherein said container is provided with a control knob effective to displace said gas bottle towards said jet ejector device.
 12. Apparatus as specified in claim 8, wherein said container has walls provided with longitudinal slots extending therethrough. 